News Release

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Officers Investigate Man Accused of Child Abuse

Los Angeles: A man accused of child abuse was found dead when police took him into custody.

On Thursday, August 7, 2008, at around 4:50 p.m., a police officer assigned to Mission Area was flagged down by a citizen to investigate a report of child abuse. The police officer was directed to the suspect's location, a halfway house located at the 12000 block of Hubbard Street. The suspect was later identified as 36-year-old Lionel Shaw Johnson.

Police Officer Justin Llorens who was working a one-person unit when he was flagged down by the citizen, requested a two-person unit to help him with the investigation. Officers Samuel Briggs and his partner Officer Ramiro Gonzalez arrived at the location and entered the room where Johnson lived. The officers saw Johnson face down on the bedroom floor. The officers tried to communicate with Johnson, who did not respond. Believing that Johnson might be intentionally ignoring the officers, they handcuffed Johnson to ensure their safety.

The officers noticed that Johnson appeared lifeless. The officers began immediate resuscitative measures and requested an ambulance. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Johnson dead at the scene.

Officer Llorens has two years with the Department; Officer Briggs has nine years and Officer Gonzalez has one year and four months.